Coggs: Milwaukee is a death or two away from Ferguson

Reflecting on the shooting death of Michael Brown and the unrest that followed in a Missouri city, Ald. Milele Coggs says Milwaukee "is just a death or two away from being Ferguson."

Coggs,one of five African-American Common Council members and its only female, lamented that the "senseless and violent end for too many young black souls continues on."

Turning toward Milwaukee, Coggs said the same conditions that exist in Ferguson, Mo., exist in Milwaukee.

"All of the same ingredients are here: Conditions of poverty, joblessness, despair, segregation and various other racial inequities are here in Milwaukee, just as they are in Ferguson. The death of Mike Brown was Ferguson’s spark, and if Milwaukee does not make changes soon, I believe our spark is coming."

Added Coggs: "The outrage, anger, hurt and pain that is felt with any senseless loss of life is present regardless of the race or the occupation of the offender. However, it is particularly troubling – and polarizing – when those entrusted to protect and serve the public are the ones who have taken a life," Coggs wrote.

Police Chief Edward Flynn was not amused.

"Despite the fact that citizen complaints and uses of force are at record lows in the Milwaukee Police Department, it is disappointing that this is the third time in a week an alderperson has made an ill-informed public statement without first getting the facts from their Police Department," Flynn said. "We are all disturbed by the images of Ferguson, but these comments are neither helpful nor constructive, nor do they accurately describe the relations between MPD and those who rely on its protection."

Flynn did not name the other council members, but was referring to council members Bob Donovan and Tony Zielinski. Donovan claimed police had not increased patrols in the city, a charge refuted by Flynn. And Zielinski had called for body cameras for police, even though Flynn had already asked for proposals to buy some.

The investigation into Brown's death continues. Brown, who was unarmed, was shot by a police officer. Coggs said several Milwaukee families "know all too well the broken heart, broken trust, and broken system the Brown family is now coming to grips with. Heartbroken because no parent ever expects to bury their child, broken trust because officers are supposed to protect and serve and be allies in efforts to keep the peace, and broken 'system' because of how these cases are too often handled, with the ultimate adjudication in favor of the officer (with rarely any charge or penalty) and without the justice sought by the family and the community."

A Gallup Poll found that Wisconsin ranked 34th among the 50 states when survey respondents were asked if a city or area was a good place to live for ethnic groups or minorities.

Milwaukee County Supervisor David Bowen said Friday the findings of the state review of Hamilton’s death should be released.

"It is important that District Attorney John Chisolm release the findings of the state review of this case which have yet to be made public," Bowen said. "I respectfully request that this information be made public as soon as possible to continue improving relations as we in the legislative branch work toward more measures to improve police community relations."

Bowen said he believed the racial situation in Ferguson was allowed to fester. "We can't let that happen here," he said.

Coggs said there were steps Milwaukee could take to improve police-community relations, value human life and ensure justice.

"Whether it is pushing for the continued diversification of the Milwaukee police force, supporting the police officer body camera legislation I have introduced, continuing to hold the Fire and Police Commission accountable, limiting local police access to military grade weaponry, voting to help determine who gets elected as district attorney and who selects the leadership in the local police department, and who truly makes our laws, or even things as simple as allowing your voice to be heard by participating in local rallies for justice, there are so many possibilities for pushing for change," Coggs said.

Ald. Tony Zielinski also has called on Mayor Tom Barrett to provide funds in the 2015 budget to outfit Milwaukee police officers with body cameras.

Ald. Ashanti Hamilton said Coggs’ statement was a “balanced approached to a sensitive issue.” African-Americans, he said, feel like they’ve been excluded from economic development in the city.

“It creates a mistrust,” Hamilton said.

Hamilton also said it was important to find ways to diversify the Milwaukee Police Department. That would help improve police-community relations.

Barrett’s office declined to comment.

Coggs also announced two rallies for justice will be held. One will be held Friday at 4 p.m. at Red Arrow Park across from City Hall. A second rally is scheduled for 4 p.m. Monday outside the Federal Building at 517 E. Wisconsin Ave.

"Mending hearts, rebuilding trust and changing the justice system is not easy, but it's what we must do from Ferguson to Milwaukee, and beyond," Coggs said.